Journalism
9 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
JOUR 200 Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
The course is an introduction to evaluating, gathering, and writing news in accepted journalistic style under newsroom conditions. Topics include the role of the reporter and the legal and ethical issues related to reporting. Students have writing and reporting experiences, including: personal interviews, speech/ meeting/event coverage, deadline writing, and use of AP style. This course is designed for journalism majors and is intended for students interested in learning to write for student media and other publications.
JOUR 202 Introduction to Mass Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of mass communication in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the historical and contemporary impact of the media on society and culture as well as on the ways that social institutions shape the media. Students examine media related issues as they relate to social and cultural constructs, economics, technology, law and ethics, and social issues. This course is designed for journalism majors and all students interested in the relationship between mass media and society.
JOUR 204 Social Media in the Digital Age
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course explores social media from a content perspective. Topics will include learning the fundamentals of social media, the theories behind writing for it, as well as the ethics and standards of information generated. The emphasis of this course is on effectively and ethically creating and consuming information via social networks in an increasingly connected and rapidly changing global environment. This course is designed for journalism majors or students interested in social media.
JOUR 206 Online Journalism
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides a basic examination of current online news trends and multimedia reporting techniques. The course covers skills necessary to produce basic multimedia reports, audio slide shows, and blogs. The course also provides instruction in ethical, legal and social issues affecting online journalists, as well as an exploration of online audiences. The course is intended for journalism majors or those seeking career development.
JOUR 210A Newspaper Production 1
- Units
- 2-3
- Hours
- 96-162 hours lab
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course focuses on writing and producing student news publications using the student newspaper and its online version as a practical laboratory that produces a journalistic product for distribution to a college-wide audience. Students work primarily in one of the following areas: researching, writing, and editing articles for the two publications; taking photographs and creating graphic illustrations; developing multimedia stories; or designing pages. Ethical and legal aspects of communication are also covered. This course is intended for students majoring in journalism and all students interested in working on student news publications.
JOUR 210B Newspaper Production 2
- Units
- 2-3
- Hours
- 96-162 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- JOUR 210A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course focuses on writing and producing student news publications at an intermediate level using the student newspaper and its online version as a practical laboratory that produces a journalistic product for distribution to a college-wide audience. Students work primarily in two of the following areas: researching, writing, and editing articles for the two publications; taking photographs and creating graphic illustrations; developing multimedia stories; or designing pages. Ethical and legal aspects of communication are also covered. This course is intended for students majoring in journalism and all students interested in working on student news publications.
JOUR 210C Newspaper Production 3
- Units
- 2-3
- Hours
- 96-162 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- JOUR 210B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course focuses on writing and producing student news publications at an intermediate-advanced level using the student newspaper and its online version as a practical laboratory that produces a journalistic product for distribution to a college-wide audience. Students work primarily in three of the following areas: researching, writing, and editing articles for the two publications; taking photographs and creating graphic illustrations; developing multimedia content; or designing pages. Ethical and legal aspects of communication are also covered. This course is intended for students majoring in journalism and all students interested in working on student news publications.
JOUR 210D Newspaper Production 4
- Units
- 2-3
- Hours
- 96-162 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- JOUR 210C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is designed to provide additional ongoing experience in the production and publication of a student newspaper. Emphasis is placed on helping students progress to an advanced level in the gathering and writing of news and features. In addition to reporting and writing, students at this level, assume responsibility for organizing and managing the newsroom, which includes conducting story conferences, developing the news budget, assigning stories, coaching reporters, and editing and designing the paper in its entirety. Students may also make photo assignments and provide coaching for novice photographers. Students are guided by ongoing advice, criticism and evaluation from a faculty adviser. Students enrolled in the course for 2 units are expected to participate in the production of the student newspaper for 6 hours per week, while students enrolled for 3 units are expected to participate at least 9 hours per week and contribute extensively to the layout and production of the paper.
JOUR 220 Principles of Public Relations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course evaluates public relations as a growing profession. The course looks at the principles, history and development, and professional practice of modern public relations. It investigates concepts of planning and executing effective communication strategies, including message design and distribution, for any organization. The use of social media, photography, graphics and marketing is also studied. This course is designed for students interested in learning about the field of public relations.